Left Behind: The Effects of College Preparatory Math on the Persistence of Low Performers

• In Event: 41.083 - Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: 41.083-9 - Understanding the Causes and Consequences of Educational Achievement Gaps

Abstract

While college preparatory math courses are a tool for upward mobility and college access for American students, some groups may not incur the same benefits as others. This paper views math attainment through the lens of curriculum mismatch, whereby low-performing students are unprepared to take on the challenge of college preparatory course work and, therefore, receive little benefits from it. Using nationally representative data this study examines how additional math coursework affects academically low-performing students’ probability of dropping out of high school. Results indicate that additional math coursework does not benefit these students.

Author

• Jacob Kepins, University of California - Irvine